(Madison County, NY – March 2013) The Route 20 Association of New York state, serving as “Stewards of the Route 20 Scenic Byway,” announced recently there will be 27 Run/Walk/Triathlon/Half-Marathon events in the Route 20 Road Challenge Series in 2013.
Road Challenge Series events are community-based run/walk/triathlon/half marathon events all along the Route 20 Scenic Byway and in the Byway Corridor that are promoted by the Route 20 Association. Events will take place from Fabius and LaFayette to Duanesburg, and include Hamilton, Morrisville, Cooperstown, Cobleskill, Esperance, Richfield Springs, Herkimer, Deansboro, Miller’s Mills, Cazenovia and 14 other communities along the Route 20 Scenic Byway.
The first event in 2013 was the Mudville Valentine Day Fun Run with participants braving a bitterly cold and windy day in Herkimer. The last scheduled event in the series will be the Mudville Turkey Trot 5K Run and one mile walk on Thanksgiving Day in Herkimer.
Road Challenge Series events are coordinated by volunteers Craig North of Eaton and Bill Kosina of Richfield Springs.
According to North, a total of more than 5,000 participants are expected in these combined events.
“It is a great way to get out and get some exercise and support worthy community causes,” North said. “This is the 14th year of the Road Challenge Series since it was inaugurated by the Association in 2000. That first year, we had seven events, as I remember, and now we are up to 27.”
North also serves as the director of the Eaton 5K Run/Walk in October.
North went on to say how pleased he is that the series was able to add six new events this year.
“Since 2011, we have added a total of 13 events to the Series, and that is something we are really proud of,” North said. “These events help introduce many people to the Scenic Byway’s hospitality and to the welcoming communities that surround it.”
In addition to promoting each of the events in the Series and as a way to encourage participation in multiple events, the Route 20 Association provides “gifts” for those who complete a certain number of events. This year’s gifts include $5 Stewart’s Shops or Nice N Easy gift cards for those who complete at least six events, a $10 Price Chopper Supermarket gift card for completing nine events and a personalized racing jacket for those who complete 12 or more events.
Continuing in 2013 is a partnership linking the Route 20 Association and Chobani Yogurt of Norwich.
“With Chobani’s focus on fitness and community involvement, it was an easy decision for Chobani to help us with support for the Road Challenge Series because all of these events are in Chobani’s backyard,” said John Sagendorf, administrator for the Route 20 Association. “As part of Chobani’s support for our communities, they will supply complimentary yogurt for all participants in all events at the after-the-race refreshment tables.”
The complete Road Challenge schedule, as well as race registration forms and race director contact information, are listed in the Road Challenge section of the Route 20 Association website at nyroute20.com.
The Route 20 Association of NYS is a 501(c)(3) volunteer and membership organization serving as stewards of the 108 mile Route 20 Scenic Byway stretching from Duanesburg in Schenectady County on the east to LaFayette in Onondaga County on the west. Additional information about the Route 20 Scenic Byway is available at www.nyroute20.com.